Rowan Bee Hat Knitting Pattern

Rowan Bee Knit Hat by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

The Rowan Bee is a women's knit hat designed to fit an average size women's head. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished hat measuring 20cm in height before the crown shaping is complete. The design features decorative lace patterning throughout and includes an optional pom pom topper for added visual interest and warmth.

Techniques Used

This hat is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning you begin at the brim and work upward toward the crown. The hat is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and requires seaming to join the side edges together once all knitting is complete. The flat construction method allows for precise stitch control and makes the lace pattern easier to execute for knitters following the written instructions.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Rowan Bee pattern employs several key knitting stitches and techniques:

• Ribbed Cuff: The hat begins with a 1x1 rib (alternating knit and purl stitches) worked over multiple rows to create an elastic, fitted brim
• Lace Pattern: The main body features a sophisticated lace design utilizing yarn overs (yo) and slip stitches (Sl1) to create openwork sections. The pattern includes both single yarn overs (yo) and double yarn overs (dyo) for varied lace effects
• Decrease Stitches: Crown shaping employs knit two together (K2tog) and pass slipped stitch over (psso) decreases, as well as back knit three together (bk3tog) for rapid stitch reduction at the top
• Stocking Stitch: Used as the base fabric between lace pattern repeats

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Bee pattern calls for 2 balls of Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn in the shade Hush 270. This yarn choice provides a soft, brushed texture suitable for a comfortable hat close to the face.

Knitting needles required are 9mm (US 13) for the ribbed cuff section and 10mm (US 15) for the main body and lace pattern work. The pattern specifies that tension should be measured at 9 stitches and 11 rows over 10cm in stocking stitch using 10mm needles with yarn held double throughout, ensuring proper fit and drape.

Additional Details

This is a skill level pattern from Rowan (pattern reference ZB219-00003, version 1), published by MEZ Crafts UK Ltd. in 2017. The design is credited to Quail Studio. An optional pom pom can be attached to the crown for decoration. Additional pattern information and resources are available on knitrowan.com.